In an effort to tackle the issue of voter apathy among young Indians, the Election Commission and the Ministry of Education joined hands on Thursday, signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to introduce electoral literacy into classrooms nationwide. The MoU mandates the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) to not only incorporate but also regularly revise textbooks, ensuring the inclusion of electoral literacy content. Additionally, the NCERT will offer guidance to State Education Boards and other Boards, encouraging them to adopt similar practices.
The objective of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is to incorporate voter education and electoral literacy within the curriculum structure, commencing from grades 6 to 12 across all educational establishments. Starting from classes 6 to 12 in all schools, this integration will also be expanded to the curricular framework for all colleges and universities, specifically designed to meet the needs of various disciplines and recognized appropriately.
Educational institutions are set to introduce curricular and extra-curricular interventions to educate school and college students about their forthcoming responsibilities and obligations as voters in the election process. According to a statement from the Ministry of Education, the Election Commission of India (ECI) and the Ministry of Education have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on electoral literacy today. The purpose of the MoU is to expand the ECI's renowned program, Systematic Voters' Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP), in educational institutions such as schools and colleges.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) highlights the establishment of a formal institutional structure aiming to integrate electoral literacy into the education system of schools and colleges. Structured curricular, co-curricular, and extracurricular activities are essential in equipping future and new voters with the necessary skills and knowledge for active electoral engagement. By engaging in these activities, individuals will be better prepared to participate in elections and contribute to the enhancement of democratic practices.
